I grew up with my sister Kristie and the two girls next door.  There were many days that a blanket was hung on the front steps from the hand rail on either side of the concrete steps.

In the shade of the blanket we would play “house”. 

Kids Playing House

Playing “house” was an activity in which we pretended to be an imaginary family.  “House” had loose rules, roles and responsibilities; unless, of course, I got it wrong.  Which I often did.

Pretend-play was a challenge for me when I was little.

Life is filled with uncertainties.

Those uncertainties can weigh us down.

Those uncertainties lead many to denial, self-destructive choices, or self-reliance. 

I am finding that faith in God sets me free from my natural inclinations to hide in denial, self-destruct in shame or wallow in my loneliness and the arrogance of self-reliance.

This song by a young woman known as Lights lifts my faith.  I hope it helps you too.

Lights’ Lions

Do you see a challenge ahead that seems HUGE?

Are you uncertain of what to do first to change the way you’ve done things?

Forming a habit can be easy, but many times it’s a significant change in perspective.

Jesus Christ challenged his listeners with perspective changing, mind-altering, statements.

“Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.“  [Matthew 17:20]

Christmas 2009 I lucked out; really, I did. I wanted to buy Amy a nice gift, but I didn’t know what to get her. She had mentioned several mundane items that she wanted, but none of them shouted “You are special!”.

I know that Amy loves jewelry so I went shopping. Kohl’s is where I found a pretty string of pearls for a price I was willing to pay. Kohl’s made some money. Amy loved her pearls, and I finally got a present right.

I am fascinated by pearls and how they are created.

It’s been said, “Heroes are made not born.”  I agree, but sometimes they are borne out of great adversity.  When great tragedy occurs some people exceed the achievements of the common person, and heroes arise from the shadow of horror.

While Adolf Hitler’s policies promoted the genocide of Jews, German businessman Oskar Schindler is credited with saving more than a thousand Jews during the Holocaust by convincing the Nazis that they were essential workers supporting the war effort.

Generations before another leader feared the power of Jews living in his community.

Express your happiness for your partner and try to enjoy every moment you have.

How? Overlook the annoyances.

When Amy and I were going through our own pre-marital counseling our minister Ralph Gustafson had us read a couple of Gary Smalley books. I adapted the following from Gary Smalley’s If Only He Knew. It’s helped me help many people to love their loved ones better. Maybe it will help you too!

Negative: Nosy?
Positive: She may be very alert or sociable.

Negative: Touchy?
Positive: He may be very sensitive.

Do not try to change the other person the change starts with us.

When Amy and I were going through our pre-marital counseling our pastor, Ralph Gustafson, counseled us, had us take a couple of tests and had us read some insightful books.

Each of those pieces helped us prepare for marriage, but not one of them helped me to prepare for myself in marriage.

I was as in love with Amy as I knew how to be. I made vows and intended to keep them. I promised devotion, loyalty and faithfulness. All of that made so much sense. I just had no idea how hard it would be.